Sunday, October 21, 2007

Meet OOPS Artist... Donna Graham

In Fall 2006, I was encouraged by an artist-friend to "pick up a brush and see what happens." I have become an artist (of sorts) …self-taught, wonderfully mentored, and on a journey…

My inner adventures:I was instantly “taken” with this wonderful form of self-expression!!! While I am a “newbie,” I find that each day that I paint, I learn something new – about myself, about how paint “moves,” about the many techniques, and, especially, about my emotions (and how they become intertwined in the piece I am doing). In the few months that I have been painting, I have dabbled in oils, acrylics, watercolor, and mixed media -– and have not quite found my niche for the medium I most prefer. Living on the North Carolina coast, I am naturally drawn to the serene, coastal images – but, BEST OF ALL, I enjoy putting what I see, feel, and know onto a canvas.

My outward adventures:I recently entered a juried art show as part of my artistic learning. While not accepted into this first show, I learned so much – and am inspired to forge ahead. THEN, I joined a group of artist friends and experienced (for the first time) painting "en plein aire" -- translated as "in open air.” I was so exited about what I had experienced this day that I was on my phone before I reached my front door telling a friend all about the wonderful-ness of the day.

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Who Are We?

The Onslow Outdoor Painters Society (OOPS!) is a gathering of artists from Onslow County, North Carolina, with one purpose... carrying on the tradition of painting "En Plein Aire"... a French term literally translated "In Open Air". We have no officers, no membership dues, no by-laws, etc... we simply gather on appointed dates for "paint outs" enjoying the fellowship of like minded individuals sharing the same passion... plein air painting.

Plein Air

Pronouced plen air... literally means “in the open air"

Membership

Membership is simple...Any artist who loves painting "en plein aire" and lives in Onslow County, NC. We welcome all skill levels and mediums... we'll even welcome artists from surrounding areas if they're nice... :)

So when do we meet?We gather at "Paint Outs"... date and location (within the county) predetermined where we simply fellowship and PAINT! "Paint Outs" occur approx. once a month.

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